16:35, 22 October 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Despite an endless stream of bleak headlines – war, climate breakdown, economic uncertainty – it turns out many of us still believe the future is bright.
In fact, according to new research from the British Red Cross, 7 in 10 UK adults say they feel hopeful about their future…That may sound surprising in 2025, but perhaps it's a quiet reminder of something very British: resilience, even in the darkest times.
This sense of optimism isn’t just blind faith. The study highlights what’s fuelling our collective hope: acts of kindness (54%), medical and scientific advances (53%), and witnessing communities come together (44%).
It seems that even when global events feel overwhelming, local compassion and shared humanity still hold sway. (This is something we actively do at Smiley News by sharing positive stories that uplift spirits)
In fact, 95% of people say that seeing communities recover after a crisis is vital to their sense of hope. That’s exactly the message behind Hope Street, a new immersive exhibition launched by the British Red Cross in partnership with People’s Postcode Lottery, open for two days only at Malaysia Square, Battersea Power Station.
Hope Street isn’t your average exhibition. Behind five striking doors, visitors will find true stories from Türkiye, Eswatini, Syria, Ukraine, and Bangladesh – places that have faced earthquakes, conflict, and the impacts of climate change.
These aren’t tales of despair, but of survival, recovery and, crucially, hope. People like Gina, Head Nurse at the Silele Clinic in Eswatini, who brings healthcare to rural communities, no matter the challenges.“In my community, I see resilience and hope every single day,” says Gina.
“Hope Street shares our story and others like it. For me, hope is in those moments when you realise you’ve helped someone through one of the hardest times in their life.”
The British Red Cross has a long legacy of being there in crisis – both globally and here in the UK. From supporting refugees and tackling loneliness to responding to UK floods and house fires, their work spans generations. It's reassuring to know they’re still out there, reminding us that help is never far away.
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, says the goal of Hope Street is not just to highlight resilience, but to inspire action: “We hope visitors leave motivated to make a difference in their own communities.”
Across all age groups, millennials are the most optimistic generation – perhaps a sign that hope, like change, often starts with the young.
But it's not all sunny skies. The study also shows that global conflict (60%) and climate change (41%) remain major reasons why people feel less hopeful.
Still, even in those moments – when disasters strike or conflicts dominate the news – over half of us say we still find hope in the response: neighbours helping neighbours, volunteers stepping up, responders putting themselves in harm’s way. This is hope not as a feeling, but as an action. And it's powerful.
Hope Street is open Wednesday 22 October (11am–6pm) and Thursday 23 October (9am–6pm), and it's completely free. If you're in London, it's worth a visit. If not, the message still stands: hope is alive and well, often found in the smallest acts and quietest corners.
To explore the stories or learn more about the British Red Cross’s emergency work around the world, visit www.redcross.org.uk.
At Smiley Movement, we elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this post.
British Red Cross. A UK-based humanitarian charity offering emergency aid, disaster relief, and support both at home and abroad, guided by principles of neutrality and compassion. Find out more. Find out more.
REACT. A UK-based rapid humanitarian disaster response charity deploying skilled teams within hours to provide critical assistance to communities affected by crises, both in the UK and globally. Learn more.
ShelterBox. A UK-based disaster relief charity delivering emergency shelter and tools to families affected by natural and man-made disasters worldwide, enabling them to rebuild their lives. Explore their work.
This article aligns with the SDG Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
